For Caritas of Austin, reaching 60 years signifies decades of steadfast trust and dedication from the community. This milestone highlights how resilience, compassion, and growth can drive change and make an impact. Reflecting on this journey showcases the organization's progress and its contributions to the lives of many in Austin.
Caritas was established in 1964 during a period of national turmoil. The country was still recovering from President Kennedy's assassination, followed by the losses of his brother Robert and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Amidst this unrest, Monsignor McCabe and a group of compassionate Austinites envisioned creating something meaningful—an organization that could serve as a beacon of hope during challenging times. "That sense of perseverance and compassion has been part of Caritas’ DNA from the beginning," reflects Jo Kathryn Quinn, CEO of Caritas of Austin. "It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, we can choose to create light."
Over the years, starting as an organization addressing hunger in Austin, Caritas expanded its mission to include housing clients while providing additional services like education and employment. A transformative moment came in 2006 with the launch of Austin’s first Supportive Housing Program. At that time, supportive housing was relatively new, but Caritas recognized its potential to change lives. "We started small, leasing a few units," Jo Kathryn recalls. "Over time, we refined and expanded the program, and today, 97% of our clients don’t return to homelessness. It’s a testament to investing in people’s potential and providing the right support at the right time."
Caritas' commitment to building community is also evident in its work with refugee resettlement. In the early 2000s, it played a crucial role in helping families fleeing wars build new lives in Austin. "Families arrived with little more than hope, and we helped them create a sense of belonging," Jo Kathryn shares. "That work reinforced our mission of providing opportunities for people to reach stability and thrive."
The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further highlighted Caritas’ resilience and adaptability. While much of the world paused, Caritas continued providing housing while keeping its Community Kitchen open. Staff members ensured meals were prepared for those needing them daily. "Our Community Kitchen never closed," Jo Kathryn emphasizes. "The team worked tirelessly, showing true dedication to our clients and living out our values every single day."
Caritas remains committed to its vision: a community where homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring. "Achieving this requires innovation, collaboration, and commitment to scaling what works," Jo Kathryn explains about their Supportive Housing Program's role in this vision.
Celebrating this 60-year milestone is not just about reflection but also recommitting to their mission: "It’s about honoring the trust that the community has placed in us and continuing forward—together," Jo Kathryn concludes.